MammoSite® is a leading-edge radiation therapy for breast cancer being offered at the DeKalb Medical Radiation Oncology Department and is specifically for women who have been diagnosed with early stage breast cancer. Traditional radiation therapy for breast cancer requires 6 weeks of treatment, whereas MammoSite treatment can be completed in 5 days at the Radiation Oncology Department. There is no need to stay in the hospital.
Radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer
MammoSite treatment uses a device that is placed inside the breast after a lumpectomy. This device delivers high doses of radiation therapy for breast cancer to the area where cancer has been detected. This new treatment option offers many significant advantages for women who qualify. Radiation is delivered from within the breast, limiting the amount of radiation to healthy tissue and reducing possible side effects.
Figure 1:
A balloon catheter is placed in the cavity left by removing the tumor.
If you decide on this radiation therapy for breast cancer, a deflated MammoSite balloon will be placed in the cavity left by removal of the tumor. This is done during or soon after the lumpectomy. A tube, or catheter, connected to the balloon remains outside the breast. The balloon is inflated with salt water to fill the cavity, the catheter exit site is dressed, and the patient may go home. You will then visit the Radiation Oncology Department to receive the 5 days of radiation treatment.
For more information on the MammoSite system and radiation therapy for breast cancer, go to www.mammosite.com/breast-lumpectomy/how-it-works.cfm#. The medical director who oversees this procedure at the DeKalb Medical Radiation Oncology Department is David Holladay, M.D. For more information, call 404.501.7700.
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